Ive posted about this a few times i think now, but i know exactly what im goin to do and i wanted some of the V6 guys oppinion on this. The car is a 83 Camaro S/E (not that that part really matters, except for smog i hate cali). The body is straight with no rust. The engine knocks badly. sounds like someone hitting a alluminum building (like one of those mini storage places) with a sledge hammer. I have a FI 2.8 (i donno what yr or what car its from, i think 85-89 camaro) that im goin to use for parts. I would just use the new engine, but i was told that it wouldnt pass smog in the car. y i donno. well anyways heres the list of work that im goin to attemot to do:

the origional block (smog reasons) if its rebuildable (machine work?)
crank from the donor engine
new bearings (any suggestions?)
rods and pistions (which ever ones r in better condition assuming that the blocks have the same bore) (maybe new?)
heads from the donor engine (maybe some machine work if i can afford it)
new cam (compucam should be smog legal)
the origional intake manifold
rebuild the origional carb
new K&N air filter
ram air/cold air induction possible??
double roller timing chain (cloyes)
new gaskets duh (any suggestions?)

thats everything i can think of rite now. both engines do run. if anyone has any suggestions that would be great or any comments. and before anyone says anything bout it, im not doin a V8 swap. thats what i origionally planned on doing. its TOO EXPENSIVE FOR ME AT THIS TIME. im tring to keep this as cheep as possible (ya rite). ill be doin the work myself. im mainly concerned with the bottom half of the engine and internal stuff thats not easly replaced. ok i think ive taken up enough of ur time.

 

If I were go. I would call northwestern auto and just buy a whole 2.8L engine kit. The master kit pretty much includes pretty much everything you need. I would DEFINATELY bore the cylinders to at least 30 over to make them just like new. I would also rebuilt the carb etc. The master kit can't be more than 400.00 (Actually, I'm for sure it's not) and you get new parts. I wouldn't use that other engine. If you're going to take it apart once, you might as well make it last the next 100,000 miles. I would also get a valve job.

Master Kit: Let's say $300

Bore: $8 per cylinder $64

Valve job: $80

My guess is the least you are to spend is around $444. Keep in mind, that's just to get the engine pretty new. You may have to regrind the crank, hot tank it, freeze plugs (which come with kit) or cam bearings etc. Not to mention if you need new Dis, starter, alternator etc. . . Not to mention all the lubes and everything like that. Then, you need the tools if you don't have them. IF I WERE YOU, what I wrote above is what I would do. Hope this helps.

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1984 Firebird SE
1985 Camaro z28 305 engine T-5 Five Speed Tranny, 92 Camaro Leather Seats Console, carpet everything. Soon to put in 700R4 and 427CI. (Hopefully.
To view my car go to:

http://geocities.com/jmboriss/bluecar.html

 

One big problem, you told a a smog guy what you want and he told you how to spend your money with him.
Go get ANY 60* RUNNING engine and slip it into the engine bay.
GET YOUR CARB REBUILT, including the throttle body plate, primary side only.
Rebuild distributor.
Slap it back together with a NEW oil pump & NEW timing chain.
Maybe even a new water pump, too.
You'll pass, easy.

NO ONE can tell, if you have a different engine.
Read my 2.8-3.4 swap boogie thread.
This is the reason I went with a used running 3.4.
I passed with flying colors & the smog guy never knew I switched engines.
DON'T open your mouth.
It costs $300 for a smog referee appointment & approval.
Read my 2.8-3.4 thread, you'll find out what to do.
Hope you don't need certificate in two days!!

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

I think waht your planning to do is going to be very expensive. The 1985 to 1989 2.8 had a larger diameter crankshaft then the 1980-1984 2.8s. If I were you I would use the new block and heads, with your original intake, carb, vave covers, water pump and pulleys. The Block itself is not responsible for emissions. Rather it is all based on the fuel management system (injectors, throttle body, sensors etc.). After the swap I think it would be hard for the local e-check guys to distinguish between the original motor and the new one. I'm new to the site and am not sure how often I'll be checking in so if you have and questions, e-mail or call me at 410-620-4346.

 

Yeah, the newer block is stronger than your 82-84. Rebuild that one, and put your intake & exhaust on it.

If you were putting an '84 2.8 carb'd block in an '89 f-body, smog would have a problem. If you're using a later-model 2.8 block with your correct year's intake, you're fine.

The MPFI 2.8 also has heads with larger ports, and a more aggressive camshaft, than your '83.


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l)